University of Michigan researcher Teresa Paneque has been awarded the 2025 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for excellence in Science Communication, an honor widely considered the highest recognition in the field. The award acknowledges Paneque’s innovative use of social media-where she’s amassed over 1.3 million followers-to demystify complex astronomical concepts and foster public engagement with STEM. this recognition highlights a pivotal shift in how scientists are reaching audiences, moving beyond customary methods to connect directly with the public and inspire the next generation of researchers.
University of Michigan researcher Teresa Paneque has received the 2025 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communication, an honor often referred to as the “Oscar” of science communication. The award recognizes her success in leveraging social media to make complex astronomical concepts accessible to a broad audience.
Paneque, an astronomer specializing in astrochemistry of planet formation, has cultivated a significant online following – totaling 1.3 million across Instagram and TikTok – by translating her research into engaging content. This approach highlights a growing trend of scientists utilizing social platforms to broaden the reach of their work and inspire public interest in STEM fields.
The 28-year-old researcher’s content covers a wide range of topics, including planet and galaxy formation, constellation observation, astronomical discoveries, and the search for extraterrestrial life. She presents this information with a blend of scientific rigor and easy-to-understand language, fostering curiosity and engagement.
“Generally, my science communication topics revolve around the questions my community asks and current news,” Paneque explained in an interview with Forbes Chile. “I also like to show my day-to-day life and what I do as a researcher.” She believes the internet is a powerful tool, providing “quick access” for many and bridging socioeconomic gaps. “The internet doesn’t replace traditional classroom learning or in-person interaction. It’s a way to generate initial engagement and interest in science,” added Paneque, who also holds a doctorate in Astronomy from Leiden University (Netherlands).
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The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) and the Schmidt Sciences Foundation jointly awarded Paneque the prestigious prize in October. The organizations stated that “Teresa Paneque Carreño exemplifies impactful and far-reaching science communication, deeply rooted in community, culture, and accessibility. Through her successful series of children’s books, collaborations with UNICEF, and extensive social media presence, Paneque Carreño combines storytelling, cultural relevance, and scientific rigor to spark curiosity about science and astronomy and inspire the next generation.”
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2025 was a landmark year for Paneque beyond the award. She surpassed 500,000 followers on Instagram and 800,000 on TikTok, and published her fifth astronomy book for young readers, titled “The Universe According to Carlota: Distant Galaxies and Dark Matter.” The year also marked her first full year as a postdoctoral fellow conducting independent research in astrochemistry of planet formation at the University of Michigan.
Looking ahead to 2026, Paneque plans to continue creating content for her existing social media platforms. She also expressed interest in expanding to platforms like YouTube to produce longer-form video content, potentially reaching an even wider audience with her accessible explanations of complex scientific concepts.
